Angelin Preljocaj, one of the world’s leading contemporary dance choreographers, who has created works for prestigious institutions such as the Paris Opera Ballet, New York City Ballet, and La Scala, reimagines Swan Lake, the timeless masterpiece of ballet, with a spellbinding and powerful new interpretation.
The elegance of classical ballet meets the bold, expressive language of contemporary dance. Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score blends with electronic music, striking stage design, and a captivating visual world, inviting audiences to experience Swan Lake like never before.
A contemporary tale of love, betrayal, power, and the future of nature…
Angelin Preljocaj brings the story of Odette and Siegfried, which has captivated generations of audiences, into the world of today.
In this interpretation, Odette is a young woman passionate about protecting nature, while Siegfried is the son of a powerful executive at a company that sells oil drilling platforms. Rothbart, who discovers valuable fossil fuel resources around the lake, is a ruthless businessman and sorcerer determined to seize the land. Fearing that Odette could thwart his plans, he uses magic to transform her into a swan.
Remaining faithful to the magic and core narrative of the original work, Preljocaj brings this timeless love story into dialogue with the environmental and social issues of our time. The lake of the swans is no longer merely a symbol of love and enchantment, but also of nature that must be protected.
A captivating story of love and freedom unfolds between light and darkness, nature and power. As 79D’s electronic compositions accompany Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, Boris Labbé’s video designs, Éric Soyer’s lighting, and Igor Chapurin’s costumes create a striking visual world on stage. Preljocaj’s distinctive choreographic language, infused with dreamlike imagery and sensuality, comes to life through the extraordinary performances of 26 dancers.
Bridging the legacy of classical ballet with the language of contemporary dance, Angelin Preljocaj has established himself as a major figure on the international dance scene through his original choreography and powerful stage narratives.
Acclaimed on international tours, Ballet Preljocaj left a lasting impression on Istanbul audiences with Fresk, performed in the city in 2017. That same year, Angelin Preljocaj received the Honorary Award from the Istanbul Theatre Festival.
Nine years later, Ballet Preljocaj returns to the Zorlu PSM stage, this time with Swan Lake! Just ahead of its performances at La Seine Musicale, one of Paris’s prestigious cultural venues, Ballet Preljocaj’s mesmerizing interpretation of Swan Lake comes to Istanbul for just three performances on December 10, 11, and 12, 2026.
Created in 2020 and featuring 26 dancers, this spectacular production brings together the grace of classical ballet and the energy of contemporary dance in a 110-minute performance. If you think you know Swan Lake, discover it anew through the eyes of Angelin Preljocaj.
